Key Highlights
- Comedian Patton Oswalt discussed President Donald Trump’s appeal to voters on the “Club Random” podcast.
- Oswalt described some of Trump’s supporters as “very damaged” and said they are drawn to his bravado and provocation.
- The discussion also covered younger generations feeling intimidated by the world, leading to a sense of bravado among those who are unsure of themselves.
- Bill Maher praised Trump for staying in touch with the young spirit of America despite his age.
Comedian’s Perspective on Trump’s Appeal
Comedian Patton Oswalt recently sat down with Bill Maher to discuss the appeal of President Donald Trump to voters. During their conversation, which aired on “Club Random,” a podcast hosted by Maher, Oswalt shared his insights into why some individuals are drawn to Trump’s behavior and rhetoric.
Oswalt pointed out that many of those who support Trump can be described as “very damaged” people. He explained that these individuals often feel a sense of powerlessness in their daily lives, particularly when it comes to working under a boss or witnessing someone violating established norms without consequences. According to Oswalt, this feeling leads them to fantasize about being the powerful figure who can break rules and assert dominance.
Younger Generations and Bravado
Maher began the discussion by highlighting how Trump remains in tune with a younger, more rule-defying spirit that exists within American society. He observed that young people often struggle to understand societal norms and rules due to what he termed a “collapse of the education system.” This sentiment resonated with Oswalt, who noted that during his 20s, he too felt intimidated by the world around him.
“What’s even worse is, you’re talking about what he’s in tune with, he is really, really in tune with that period when you’re really young, and you feel insanely intimidated by the world,”
Maher further elaborated on how younger generations may not fully grasp the consequences of their actions due to a lack of clear guidance or understanding. He used an example of a factory worker who, despite knowing the rules against smoking in the workplace, would secretly light up because they felt powerless and watched others violate similar norms.
This sense of bravado and provocation among those still finding their footing in life is what Oswalt believes draws many to Trump’s message. According to him, Trump represents a figure who embodies this unapologetic defiance and willingness to challenge authority figures or established systems.
Power Dynamics and Fantasy
Oswalt continued by discussing how these feelings of powerlessness manifest in the workplace and other areas of life, leading individuals to fantasize about having that same level of control. He stated:
“They fantasize about being that guy. And that’s who Trump is, and that’s their fantasy.”
This dynamic also extends to the way Trump presents himself as a leader who defies conventional wisdom and norms. Oswalt highlighted how some supporters see this defiance as a sign of power and authority, even when it leads to contradictory statements or actions.
“There’s a thing that appeals to very damaged people, and there’s a lot of damaged people in this country right now, that have been damaged by the system.”
This sentiment was further emphasized by Oswalt’s description of Trump as a “giant, colicky baby,” suggesting that his behavior is a symptom of deeper societal issues.
Broader Context and Impact
The discussion also touched on how younger generations are more likely to accept contradictions or inconsistencies in public figures due to their lack of established norms. This acceptance can lead to a perception that such leaders have “power” because they seem willing to break rules without facing significant consequences.
“And these people that go, ‘So he’s saying America First,’ and he just put out a video where he’s dropping s—, and in one of the frames the s— drops on the American flag, and people go, ‘Yeah, he can totally contradict himself. That’s power,'” Oswalt noted.
While Maher praised Trump for staying connected to younger spirits, he acknowledged that not all these sentiments are necessarily positive or healthy. The conversation underscored a broader issue of how societal norms and generational differences play into the appeal of controversial political figures.
This exploration of Trump’s appeal through the lens of personal experience offers insight into the complex dynamics at play in American politics today, highlighting both the challenges faced by younger generations and the enduring power of defiance in shaping public sentiment.
